Miami Condo Market Continues Winning Streak, Prices Rise 13 Consecutive Months

---

(Miami, FL) - Based on data from the Miami Association of Realtors, the median sales price of condominiums, which has risen for the last 13 months in Miami-Dade County, increased 15.2 percent to $135,905 compared to a year earlier. Miami home prices rose again in July, marking eight consecutive months of appreciation as well.

The median sales price of single-family homes rose 2.8 percent to $185,000.  Year-to-date the median sales prices of single-family homes and condominiums have increased 12.1 percent and 35.4 percent respectively.

"The Miami real estate market continues to attract demand as inventory consistently decreases, yielding significant price appreciation," said 2012 Chairman of the Board of the Miami Association of Realtors Martha Pomares.  "The condominium market in particular is performing quite well, as international buying activity continues to heat up in Miami.  This trend is expected to continue long into the future, as Miami enjoys its status as a major global city."

In July the average sales price for condominiums in Miami-Dade County increased 7.9 percent to $272,946.  The average sales prices for single-family homes decreased 12.2 percent to $329,925.

Florida Statewide Home Prices

Statewide median sales prices in July increased  7.8 percent to $148,000 for single-family homes and 10.9 percent to $102,000 for condominiums, according to data from Florida Realtors Industry Data and Analysis department and vendor partner 10K Research and Marketing. The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $187,300 in July, a 9.4 percent increase from June 2011.

Miami Home Sales Rise in July

Total residential sales in Miami-Dade County increased 11 percent compared to a year earlier, compared to record sales levels in July 2011.    The sales of existing condominiums in Miami-Dade increased 16.1 percent, from 1,109 to 1,282.  Sales of single-family homes increased 5.3 percent, from 873 to 919, compared to same time period.

Statewide sales of existing single-family homes totaled 17,420 in July 2012, up 9.8 percent compared to a year ago.  Statewide condominium sales totaled 7,779, up 2.8 percent from those sold in July 2011. Nationally, sales of existing single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, and co-ops increased 2.3 percent from June and were 10.4 percent higher than they were in July 2011, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

"Miami attracts attention in many aspects, including tourism, entertainment, lifestyle, and increasingly in international business and banking enterprises," said 2012 Miami Association of Realtors Residential President Patricia Delinois.  "Such prominence combined with Miami's population growth and the unique cultural affinity our market offers will continue to position the local real estate market at the forefront of international expansion."

Housing Inventory Continues to Decrease

Over the last year, the inventory of residential listings in Miami-Dade County has dropped 27 percent from 15,727 to 11,454.  Compared to the previous month, the total inventory of homes increased two percent.   Currently, there are 4.4 months of supply in Miami-Dade.  Total housing inventory nationally increased 1.3 percent at the end of July and was 23.8 percent below year-ago levels, which represents a 6.5-month supply at the current sales pace.

Distressed Sales Decrease Year-Over-Year

Strong demand for bank-owned (REO) properties and improved processing of short sales continues to yield absorption of distressed listings and to contribute to price appreciation.  In July, 47 percent of all closed residential sales in Miami-Dade County were distressed, including REOs (bank-owned properties) and short sales, compared to 52 percent in July 2011 and 44 percent the previous month.  Nationally, distressed sales accounted for 24 percent of July sales.

Cash Sales Reflect Strong International Presence

In Miami-Dade County, 64 percent of total closed sales in July were all-cash sales, compared to 59 percent in July 2011 and 65 percent the previous month.  Cash sales accounted for 44 percent of single-family and 77 percent of condominium closings.  Nearly 90 percent of international buyers in Florida purchase properties all cash.  Nationally, all-cash sales decreased to 27 percent in July - from 29 percent in June and 29 percent in July 2011 - reflecting the stronger presence of international buyers in the Miami real estate market.